Sakarya University has established an institutional policy to monitor students' knowledge, awareness, and behavior regarding sustainability issues. The university regularly assesses students' sustainability literacy through courses, social contribution projects, and measurement and evaluation practices aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. These assessments cover key indicators, including environmental awareness, social responsibility, ethical awareness, and the efficient use of resources. The data obtained is used to develop educational programs and update the university's sustainability strategies. Thus, Sakarya University views sustainability literacy not only as an educational outcome but also as a crucial component of institutional performance.
Panel on “Understanding and Practicing Sustainability” Held at Sakarya University
Sakarya University (SAU) regularly conducts awareness events, panels, and assessment-focused activities to increase and measure its students' sustainability literacy. In this context, the "Understanding & Implementing Sustainability" Panel, organized in collaboration with the SAU Zero Waste Coordination Office, the Accounting, Auditing, and Finance Student Community (MUDEF), and the Office of Social Contribution and Sustainability (TOKAS), serves as an exemplary initiative aimed at assessing students' knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward sustainable development.
During the panel, representatives from organizations such as Toyota, Vakıfbank, LC Waikiki, the Public Oversight Agency, and Good4Trust shared their sustainability strategies, enhancing students' knowledge of sustainable business models. During the event, students' perceptions and awareness of the environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability were observed, and feedback was obtained regarding participants' knowledge and attitudes.
The panel was evaluated as an event that strengthened students' sustainability awareness and produced measurable learning outcomes. Sakarya University continuously monitors and improves the sustainability literacy of its students through such activities.
A Water Efficiency Success Story from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture Students
Sakarya University conducts applied awareness projects within the scope of its "Youth and Volunteering Course" to increase and measure students' sustainability awareness. This course provides a measurable educational model designed to assess and enhance students' knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and resource efficiency.
The "Water Efficiency and Environmental Awareness Project," implemented as part of the course, aimed to assess students' awareness of sustainable resource use with concrete data. The Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture was selected as the pilot project site; students developed technical solutions for water conservation, measured water consumption data, and analyzed the impact of these practices. The study resulted in a reduction of over 30% in water consumption, and the development of the students' awareness throughout the project was also measured.
This project enabled the measurement of students' sustainability literacy not only at a theoretical level but also through a hands-on learning process. The results established a data-based monitoring process for developing and disseminating sustainable behaviors across campus.
